1. Overview

Our Computer Science degree provides you with a balance of knowledge and skills to design and implement software systems to the high professional standards demanded by industry.

You will study object-oriented software design, learn systems development skills and how to apply them in practice.
This will form the basis for a career as a professional software developer who can work effectively on
a wide range of computing platforms.

The course is designed to equip you for a career at the
cutting edge of developments in software and information technologies. There is a strong emphasis on programming modern computing platforms, ranging from embedded systems through industry-standard PCs to highly distributed systems.

Your degree will be highly prized by employers
and will form the basis for a career as a
professional software developer who can work
effectively on a wide range of modern computing
platforms.

2. What you will study

The programme aims to provide you with a balance of knowledge and skills to design and implement software, as well as hardware, systems to a professional standard. It is designed to equip you for a career at the cutting edge of developments in software and information technologies.

Year 1

Your first year will introduce you to the creative, practical and intellectual skills you will need as a computing professional. You will learn skills in problem solving and modelling in a computing environment, skills in collaborating with others as part of a team, skills in software design and development and an understanding of how information technology is used in industry and commerce.

Year 2

This year you will study modules that cover a wide range
of topics including object-oriented programming, database systems, the principles of data networking and micro-electronic devices. You will also learn about the professional aspects of IT, and how to design around the user experience, and gain an understanding of how IT helps modern businesses achieve mission critical goals.

Year 3 (industrial placement)

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option.

Year 4

The core of this year focuses on studying the principles of knowledge engineering, operating systems, advanced programming and networking techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on familiarisation with modern technological developments in the field of computing, such as virtualisation of resources, application of artificial intelligence and web
based services. Many of the activities are done
in the context of projects, which develop your
skills in project management and team working,
as well as critical problem solving skills in IT
systems analysis and design.

Year 5

The Honours year provides you with the opportunity to specialise and focus on areas of special interest, as well as gain skills in developing software systems that are smart, scalable and efficient. The Honours Individual Project is a major feature of this year, and it gives you an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in the course
to a large, self-directed project.

3. Entry requirements

SQA Higher: BBBC and two further passes (normally to include Maths and English) at National 5 level.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2B2C1 and two further passes (normally
to include Maths and English) at Ordinary Level.

IB Diploma 27 to include a pass in Standard Level Maths.

Advanced Entry

The School of Computing and Digital Media welcomes applications from students with relevant HN qualifications or similar diplomas for consideration for advanced entry to selected courses. Overseas applicants with appropriate diplomas/advanced diplomas are also welcome to apply for advanced entry to selected courses.

4. Placements and accreditations

Placement

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option in year 3, which will provide you with invaluable industrial experience and will help you to focus your career goals. Placements have been carried out at high profile companies like BT and IBM, as well as with smaller local software houses and IT support providers. We have also had successful overseas placements with companies in France, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, so successful graduates can apply for membership of the Society, providing valuable additional professional recognition.

5. Student Funding

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

7. How to apply

Once you register and create your username and password you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account and you can see the progress of your application, view your offers and respond to them.

8. Prospects

This course provides you with a range of technical and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers at the leading edge of computing. Our collaboration with industry and the industrial placement scheme will provide you with the opportunity to be involved in new developments in the very dynamic and fast-moving IT industry. Graduates from this course are highly sought after by a range of employers, including software houses, computer and electronic equipment suppliers and manufacturers and IT service providers for business and industry. As a graduate of the course you could find employment developing software applications for industry, providing, managing and supporting the range IT services required by industry.